She Never Thought She'd Be Happy Again. 6 Years Later She Shares Update: 'Happier Than Ever'

July 21, 2025

Abbey Alexander recently returned to her favorite online community with an inspiring update—six years after surviving a horrific gas station explosion in Cambodia.

Now married, a mother, and full of gratitude, the young woman who once feared she’d never live a normal life again says she’s “happier than ever.”

Abbey Alexander in 2019 and in 2025

At 18, Abbey had just moved to Cambodia with her family and taken a job as an English teacher. While walking back to school from lunch, everything changed in an instant.

“As we were starting to cut across, the whole building exploded,” she told Inside Edition.

Abbey suffered third-degree burns, was run over by a passing vehicle, and spent two months in the hospital.

Credit: Abbey Alexander

But her story didn’t end there—it was just the beginning of an incredible recovery.

Through the years, Abbey has shared her journey with the online community, and their support has meant the world to her.

“Thank you for all the love you guys have given me over the years,” she wrote.

She credits humor for helping her through the hardest days. With a lighthearted spirit, she often calls herself “crispy mom,” a nickname that never fails to get a laugh. Her attitude toward her scars—and life in general—is nothing short of inspiring.  You can read more about her journey in her book, After the Flame.

Meet Abbey and hear more of her powerful story in the 2024 interview below: